A Scunthorpe-based secondary school has been awarded Silver Status by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health Award.

This award, led by Carnegie School of Education and Minds Ahead CIC, ensures schools are using evidence-based approaches, aligned to the latest professional guidelines surrounding mental health.

The assessment report found that ̨��swag Academy Foxhills has been able to use the framework and content of the award ‘to good effect to develop their mental health and wellbeing strategies, structures and practices.’

During its assessment, the Foxhills Road-based academy was found to have ‘worked hard to build links with the wider community,’ including starting a community foodbank to help those who need it during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Darren Smith, Principal at ̨��swag Academy Foxhills, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded Silver Status. 

“At ̨��swag we believe in putting students first and this goes beyond just academically. We want to ensure our students are good citizens when they leave us, as well as achieving academically. 

“To this aim, we want to make sure their mental health and wellbeing is looked after. We take immense pride in receiving this award and the hard work by the staff that it recognises.”

Within the assessment report is glowing praise of the academy’s work in the area:

“Whether staff, pupils, or parents need help the school will work hard to provide the support that is needed through direct support in school, signposting or through collaboration with other schools.”

The academy was also praised for having a dedicated mental wellbeing team which is available to the staff as well as the children. In addition, the general supportive nature of the academy was praised, with it being noted that governors were ‘supportive, generous and invested in the school community.’

Lucinda Powell, School Mental Health Award Coach for Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health, said: “'It is always a pleasure to speak to schools who are so passionate about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their whole school community, and ̨��swag Academy Foxhills is no exception, I look forward to hearing about their continued work in this area.”